How to Dial In "Waiting Man" by King Crimson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waiting Man"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Beat (1982). Beat is the ninth studio album by the English progressive rock band King Crimson, released on 18 June 1982 by E.G. Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for King Crimson's other songs from Beat, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Waiting Man" Tone
What guitar did King Crimson use on "Waiting Man"?
The guitar on "Waiting Man" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Waiting Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Waiting Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waiting Man" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Waiting Man" by King Crimson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.